NOTES:This is a blended course, with both Web-based and instructor-led components. The Web-based training component (NHI 134006A) must be completed before attending the instructor-led training session.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Every State highway agency participates in construction projects that include accommodation and relocation of utilities along public rights-of-way. 134006 Utility Coordination for Highway Projects considers how communication, cooperation, and coordination between transportation agencies and utility companies can mitigate or avoid common challenges. Participants in this blended course (combination of Web-based and instructor-led formats) learn how, when, and where in the project development process to identify and conduct effective utility coordination.

Participants first take a self-paced, Web-based training to learn about regulatory requirements for both public and private utilities, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), and their own State's Utility Accommodation Policy. During the 2-day classroom event, participants learn to identify risks and potential issues associated with utilities, and then work together to evaluate ways to avoid or mitigate those risks and issues. (Please note: An optional lesson on utility challenges in projects using design-build delivery and other alternative contracting methods is available to be taught at the discretion of the State.) By putting these lessons into practice, utility-related complications in many cases can be predicted and mitigated at the most appropriate stage of project development, which can reduce potential negative impacts to timeline and budget.

OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

Explain the importance of early and effective cooperation, communication, and coordination of utility-related activities throughout a project's lifecycle.

Identify successful techniques that could be used to avoid or mitigate utility challenges throughout the project development and delivery process.

Explain the major impacts of identified conflicts or issues on the schedule or budget of a project.

Generate a personal resource toolkit for each of six major areas of project development (planning, design, environmental considerations, right-of-way, construction, and maintenance).

TARGET AUDIENCE:

The course targets Federal, State, and local personnel who are responsible for planning, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining transportation facilities that involve the accommodation or relocation of utilities. It is most effectively delivered with participation from representatives of public and private utility companies, DOT contractors, risk managers, right-of-way staff, mid-to-senior level managers, and engineering consultants.
The participation of utility company representatives in particular will be integral to the success of the course. Therefore, course organizers need to make every effort to include utility company personnel, as well as the Federal, State, and local transportation practitioners who comprise the more traditional audience for NHI training. Contractors and risk managers are appropriate and vital attendees as well. A minimum of 10% of every class should come from outside Federal, State, and local transportation agencies.

The National Highway Institute (NHI) has been accredited as an Authorized Provider
by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
In obtaining this accreditation, NHI has demonstrated that it complies with the
ANSI/IACET Standard which is recognized internationally as a standard of good practice.
As a result of their Authorized Provider status, NHI is authorized to offer IACET CEUs
for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.